Upcoming book comparing life in Thailand and the Philippines
I have lived in Asia for almost 40 years, three times in the Philippines. I will be publishing a book in the next week comparing the Philippines and Thailand facts flavored by personal experiences and lessons learned the hard way.
Here is the chapter outline I'm working on.
Chapter 1: Why I Wrote This Book
Chapter 2: The Journey
Manila, 2015
Bangkok, 2017
Hua Hin, 2021
Manila and the House Build, 2024–2025
Angeles City
Chapter 3: Deciding Where to Live
Manila / Rockwell
Bangkok
Hua Hin
Angeles City
Other Locations in the Philippines
Iloilo City · Cebu City · Boracay · South of Manila (Tagaytay, Cavite, Laguna)
Other Locations in Thailand
Chiang Mai · Koh Samui · Phuket
Chapter 4: Accommodation
What You Get for Your Money
Universal Truths
Advertising
Agents
Contracts
Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Closing Comparison
Chapter 5: Buying or Building
Foreign Ownership Rules
Property Ownership Through a Spouse
Buying Existing Property
Selection Process — Do’s and Don’ts · Home Inspection Services · Title Verification · Condo Considerations
Considerations When Buying or Building a Home
What Went Wrong: Building · What Went Right and Wrong: Buying Pre-Built
Advance Payments: A Special Caution for the Philippines
Closing Summary
Chapter 6: Renting
Finding a Rental
The Rental Agreement
Moving In
During the Tenancy
Ending the Lease
Chapter 7: Visas
Chapter 8: Infrastructure
Chapter 9: Banking
Chapter 10: Safety & Security
Chapter 11: Cost of Living
Chapter 12: Food & Shopping
Chapter 13: Recreation
Chapter 14: Driving & Transportation
Chapter 15: Healthcare
Chapter 16: Intra-country and International Travel
Chapter 17: Closing — Making Your Decision